Training device

ABSTRACT

A training device is proposed which has actuating elements which can be moved continuously in rotation and are connected to one another and are intended for a pair of limbs of a person, drive means for driving the actuating elements, and an electronics unit for regulating and/or controlling the movement of the actuating elements, with means being provided for visual, acoustic, touch-based or smell-based notification or display of a training parameter objective and of an actual value which can be compared with it, or of a training parameter target deviation in relation to an actual value, and the training parameter target being the speed of rotation, the torque or the actuating element position, or a variable derived therefrom. Moreover, a side-related and an angle-related training parameter objective with corresponding notification or display is proposed. In addition, part of the invention is a training device which, in isokinetic training, changes a desired speed of rotation as a function of cardiovascular variables or the driving torque applied to the actuating elements by the person doing the training.

[0001] The invention relates to a training device which has actuatingelements which can be moved continuously in rotation and are connectedto one another and are intended for a pair of limbs of a person, drivemeans for driving the actuating elements, and an electronics unit forregulating and/or controlling the movement of the actuating elements.

PRIOR ART

[0002] Training devices of the type mentioned above have already beenmade known in a wide variety of forms.

[0003] European laid-open specification EP 0 865 804 discloses atraining device for the physically disabled which is designed inparticular for persons who either have very low residual muscle power orwho can exert muscle power only over part of a revolution. With aconventional training device, such persons would find it difficult tobring about any movement at all, not least a circular movement.

[0004] In the case of patients with signs of paralysis on one side, forexample as a result of a stroke, it is true that the training devicedisclosed in the European laid-open specification can in fact also beused, but the person doing the training is not specifically induced toconsciously engage the impaired side in the movements in order finallyto recover his full range of mobility.

[0005] For a more targeted and more conscious movement of one half ofthe body when using a training device of the type mentioned at theoutset, European laid-open specification EP 0 998 961 A1 proposes thatan electronics unit be provided which divides the crank movement withinone revolution into at least two parts, and that the electronics unitdefine different functions for the crank movement in relation to theseparts.

[0006] In this way it is possible to arrange the training in such a waythat the person doing the training receives different trainingpossibilities within one revolution of the crank arms of the trainingdevice, and thus work can be concentrated on an impaired, paralyzedlimb. It has also been found that, in particular in the case of patientsparalyzed on one side, the coordination of their movements can also beimproved in this way. However, the person doing the training is somewhatunconscious of this, for which reason an increase in efficiency ispossible in this respect.

OBJECT AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The object of the invention is to make available a trainingdevice, in particular for physically disabled persons, with which deviceit is possible to improve coordination, i.e. the link between brainfunctions and targeted muscle activity.

[0008] This object is achieved by the features of claims 1, 6, 7, 9 and10.

[0009] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in thedependent claims.

[0010] In a first possible solution of the invention, the trainingdevice of the type mentioned at the outset is developed further byproviding means for visual, acoustic, touch-based or smell-basednotification or display of a training parameter objective and of anactual value which can be compared with it, or of a training parametertarget deviation in relation to an actual value, the training parametertarget being the speed of rotation, the torque, preferably the torqueapplied by the person doing the training, or the actuating elementposition, e.g. the position of an actuating element, in particular theposition of a pedal crank, or a variable derived therefrom, for examplethe force on the actuating elements, the physical performance, oranother link between speed of rotation, torque or actuating elementposition. This procedure is based on the person who is doing thetraining attempting quite consciously, i.e. by targeted use of themuscles, to achieve a training parameter target and preferablymaintaining the latter. In other words, only those parameters which theperson doing the training can influence, at least to a certain extent,through his own will are suitable as training parameter target. Forexample, a target performance level and the instantaneous actualperformance level are displayed. The objective can also be displayed bytwo symbolic cursors moving on a screen, one of these being a cursorpreset by the electronics unit and the other cursor representing theperson doing the training. As a function of the predetermined targetspeed of rotation, the “electronics unit cursor” moves at a definedspeed, and the “cursor for the person doing the training” moves at thesame speed as the “electronics unit cursor” as long as the person doingthe training is training with the target speed of rotation. Within themeaning of the invention, sequences of the stated training parameterscan also serve as training parameter targets, e.g. torque, speed ofrotation or performance level as a function of the position or angle ofthe actuating elements. For example, the training parameter target isthe speed of rotation. This can be raised at a defined position, i.e. ina position-dependent manner, as new target to a predetermined value oris to be kept constant as target through one revolution. In anothertraining variant, a defined torque can be used as “target”. In addition,this torque can be increased or lowered as new target at a predeterminedposition. This can be adapted, for example, to the tread phase of therespective leg. In the event that the actuating element position is thetraining parameter target, a sequence (function) of this variable can bethat the actuating element assumes a defined position and maintainsthis.

[0011] If operating with a deviation from the training parameter target,this deviation can be indicated qualitatively or quantitatively, e.g.“too fast” or “too slow” or “tread is o.k.”, “tread is not o.k.” or inbrief: “o.k.”, “not o.k.”. However, the deviation can also be indicatedquantitatively, e.g. “too fast by “5””. However, a mixed indication ispossible, e.g. in the form of a trend display. When indicating the“deviation”, the training parameter target can also be displayed forbetter orientation of the person doing the training. By means of all themeasures mentioned, the coordination abilities of a person training areimproved.

[0012] However, by changing the training parameter objective, a trainingsequence can also be performed specifically for an improved coordinationif the electronics unit is designed to automatically change the trainingparameter objective as a function of predetermined criteria. With achange in the training parameter objective, an actual target deviationof course also automatically changes if this is being used. The changecan also be effected according to a time scale or can be approached,reached or maintained in the manner of a target.

[0013] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, thechange in the training parameter objective results in a change in atraining parameter which is regulated or controlled by the electronicsunit. In this way, even where the training parameter objective changes,it is possible, for example, to perform a form of training in which theperson doing the training is nevertheless intended to reach a constantperformance level. For example, in isokinetic training in which thespeed of rotation is regulated and the predetermined training parametertarget is a torque to be achieved by the person doing the training, thedesired speed of rotation can be changed such that the product of speedof rotation and torque, namely the physical performance, remainsunchanged when the target torque changes. In the case of isotonictraining in which the braking torque is regulated and the trainingparameter target is the speed of rotation, the braking torque can bechanged in such a way that the product of target speed of rotation anddesired braking torque again remains unchanged when the target speed ofrotation changes.

[0014] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, theelectronics unit is designed to change a regulated or controlledtraining parameter as a function of predetermined criteria. In thiscontext, such criteria are, for example, the automatic course of adefined time plan according to which the regulated or controlledtraining parameter is changed, or the way in which the trainingparameter target is approached, reached or maintained. The targetpreferably remains constant in this type of training. This imposessimilar coordination requirements as when the training parameter targetis changed in the case of a constant regulated or controlled trainingparameter. In isokinetic training, the speed of rotation is theregulated or controlled training parameter, for example the torque to bereached being the training parameter target.

[0015] The electronics unit can also be designed to change an externalstimulation parameter as a function of predetermined criteria. Forexample, the person doing the training attempts to reach a predeterminedtraining parameter target under application of an external musclestimulation. By specifically changing the muscle stimulation, the persondoing the training can be forced, in order to reach a defined target, toshow greater initiative in training, which in turn improves thecoordination abilities.

[0016] In a further possible solution to the object, the pre-setting ofthe training parameter target is side-related, in which case thetraining device described above is provided with means for visual,acoustic, touch-based or smell-based notification or display of theside-related training parameter objective and of an actual value whichcan be compared with it, or a training parameter target deviation inrelation to an actual value. In particular for persons paralyzed on oneside, this measure permits different coordinated training for thehealthy side and the diseased side. Accordingly, for example, the torqueto be achieved on the healthy side is a much higher objective than onthe diseased side. With increasing success in training, the objectivefor the diseased side can be adapted to the healthy side, which to alarge extent increases motivation. Likewise, it is possible topredetermine the target that a training parameter is to be identical onboth sides or should be in a defined relationship between each side. Thedifference in sides can be provided, for example, on the basis of thetread phase of the legs or by means of a side-differentiatedmeasurement, in particular measurement of torque or power. However, theobjective can also be such that on one side a target value is set whichis to be reached by the other side. For example, the power on one sideserves as objective for the other side.

[0017] A still more differentiated possibility of working on a pair oflimbs is obtained if training can be carried out, not only side-related,but also angle-related. That is to say, for example in a rotationmovement, a plurality of angle sections can be defined in which in eachcase different training parameter objectives are operative. The trainingparameter objective can be, for example, that the training parametersare identical in at least two angle sections.

[0018] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, theelectronics unit is designed to evaluate the manner in which trainingparameter targets are achieved, for example how many objectives areachieved or how a single target is achieved.

[0019] In a further possible solution to the object set, the trainingdevice indicated above is refined in that the electronics unit, in thecontext of isokinetic training, is designed to regulate the speed ofrotation to a desired speed of rotation, the desired speed of rotationchanging automatically as a function of cardiovascular variables, forexample pulse, blood pressure or oxygen saturation of the blood, of theperson doing the training, or as a function of the torque applied to theactuating elements by the person doing the training and which drives theactuating elements, e.g. depending on the course of one of theseparameters. In this variant, the focus of the training lies in improvingfitness, since signs of fatigue of the person training are in particulartaken into account, so that the person doing the training is notoverstressed. At the same time, however, the person doing the trainingis afforded the possibility of carrying out the training with deliberatecoordination, taking into account the fact that overstressing regularlyacts negatively on clean coordination during exercise.

[0020] Finally, the object is achieved by refining the above-describedtraining device such that the drive means, by at least partial drivingof the actuating elements, assist a person doing the training to achievea training parameter objective. By this measure, it is made easier for aperson doing training to reach a predetermined target, which has theeffect of increasing motivation and thus improving the result of thecoordination training.

DESCRIPTION OF AN ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT

[0021] An illustrative embodiment of the invention is explained ingreater detail together with further advantages and particulars.

[0022] The FIGURE shows a movement device 1 represented diagrammaticallyin functional blocks. The movement device 1 comprises a crank 2 withpedals 3 for the legs of a person training (not shown), and an electricmotor 4 which is connected to a shaft 6 of the crank 2 via a belt drive5, for example.

[0023] The electric motor 4 is connected via a connecting line 7 to anelectronics unit 8 and via a further connecting line 9 to an input anddisplay device 10. The input and display device 10 has a screen 11 andan input panel 12.

[0024] The training device 1 can additionally have an incrementalencoder (not shown) by means of which the speed of rotation of the crank2 and its exact angle position can be determined.

[0025] In this way, it is possible in particular to be able to carry outtraining with an angle-related training parameter objective withappropriate display.

[0026] In a variant embodiment, a training parameter objective, e.g. atorque to be achieved by the person training, can be pre-set via theinput panel 12 on the screen 11 at the location 11 a. The torqueactually applied to the crank 2 by the person training is then shown atthe location 11 b. While at all times keeping an eye on the actual valueand the “target”, the person training must now try to bring the actualvalue as close as possible to the objective.

[0027] However, it is also possible to indicate, at location 11 b, onlythe deviation from an input target, e.g. a deviation in torque, speed ofrotation or level of performance, etc.

[0028] In side-related training, the objective can also consist intraining parameters for in each case one leg being displayed at thelocations 11 a and 11 b, in which case the person training is to try toachieve identical values of the training parameter, e.g. the level ofperformance, for both sides.

[0029] In accordance with the discussion of the claims, a large numberof further possibilities are conceivable with respect to how it ispossible to work to an objective according to the invention with themovement device 1.

LIST OF REFERENCE LABELS

[0030]1 movement device

[0031]2 crank

[0032]3 pedal

[0033]4 electric motor

[0034]5 belt drive

[0035]6 shaft

[0036]7 connecting line

[0037]8 electronics unit

[0038]9 connecting line

[0039]10 input and display device

[0040]11 screen

[0041]11 a location

[0042]11 b location

[0043]12 input panel

1. Training device which has actuating elements which can be movedcontinuously in rotation and are connected to one another and areintended for a pair of limbs of a person, drive means for driving theactuating elements, and an electronics unit for regulating and/orcontrolling the movement of the actuating elements, characterized inthat means are provided for visual, acoustic, touch-based or smell-basednotification or display of a training parameter objective and of anactual value which can be compared with it, or of a training parametertarget deviation in relation to an actual value, the training parametertarget being the speed of rotation, the torque, or the actuating elementposition, or a variable derived therefrom.
 2. Training device accordingto claim 1, characterized in that the electronics unit is designed toautomatically change the training parameter objective as a function ofpredetermined criteria.
 3. Training device according to claim 1 or 2,characterized in that the change in the training parameter objectiveresults in a change in a training parameter which is regulated orcontrolled by the electronics unit.
 4. Training device according to oneof the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronics unit isdesigned to change a regulated or controlled training parameter as afunction of predetermined criteria.
 5. Training device according to oneof the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronics unit isdesigned to change an external stimulation parameter as a function ofpredetermined criteria.
 6. Training device according to theprecharacterizing clause of claim 1, in particular according to one ofthe preceding claims, characterized in that the electronics unit isdesigned for side-related pre-setting of a training parameter target,and in that means are provided for visual, acoustic, touch-based orsmell-based notification or display of the side-related trainingparameter objective and of an actual value which can be compared withit, or of a training parameter target deviation in relation to an actualvalue.
 7. Training device according to the precharacterizing clause ofclaim 1, in particular according to one of the preceding claims,characterized in that the electronics unit is designed for angle-relatedpre-setting of a training parameter target, and in that means areprovided for visual, acoustic, touch-based or smell-based notificationor display of the angle-related training parameter objective and of anactual value which can be compared with it, or of a training parametertarget deviation in relation to an actual value.
 8. Training deviceaccording to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that theelectronics unit is designed to evaluate the manner in which trainingparameter objectives are achieved.
 9. Training device according to theprecharacterizing clause of claim 1, in particular according to one ofthe preceding claims, characterized in that the electronics unit, in thecontext of isokinetic training, is designed to regulate the speed ofrotation to a desired speed of rotation and to automatically change thedesired speed of rotation as a function of cardiovascular variables ofthe person doing the training and/or the driving torque applied to theactuating elements by the person doing the training.
 10. Training deviceaccording to the precharacterizing clause of claim 1, in particularaccording to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that thedrive means, by at least temporary driving of the actuating elements,assist a person doing the training to achieve a training parameterobjective.